During the Fourth of July holiday, many Texans travel across the state, including the Gulf Coast where ferries are essential to connect drivers to the mainland.

More than 8 million passengers travel every year on the Port Aransas and Galveston-Port Bolivar ferries with the two routes operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting.

During the Fourth of July festivities, these ferries carry even more people across the water. Each ferry carries between 20 to 28 regular passenger vehicles, depending on size.

Timothy Lewis, the Port Aransas ferry's director of operations, says he expects about twice as many people to take the ferry with up to 100,000 passengers for the week of July Fourth.

“Safety is our number one priority. The first thing we ask is if somebody is giving you directions, to follow those directions,” Lewis said. “Whenever we’re crossing the ferry, you can get out of the vehicle, but once we get a little past halfway, we’re going to ask you to get back in the vehicle so you’re not out of the vehicle when we’re making the landing.”

To ensure a safe and efficient crossing, TxDOT has the following tips for ferry riders:

“I know the water is beautiful here and I know you want to get out and see it as soon as you can when you get on the ferry, but if you just wait until the ferry is loaded, it would be much appreciated,” Lewis said.

While the weekend is a time to celebrate, it’s important to always plan ahead for a sober ride.

“No drinking and driving. No illicit drugs when you’re coming through our ferry system,” Lewis said.

To monitor real-time traffic conditions, you can click on this link, and to see ferry schedules visit txdot.gov.